Trainee journalist at Cardiff JOMEC, English & German graduate from the University of Exeter, former editor of Exeposé student newspaper and winner of 'Best Interview' at the 2017 Student Publication Association national awards.

Criminal had time for pit stop in 20-cop-car chase

The Local Germany (4 September 2015)

With 21 police cars and a helicopter hot on his heels, it seemed unlikely that police in Düsseldorf would fail to catch one rogue motorist. But after a two-hour pursuit, that’s exactly what happened in the early hours of Friday.

At around 1:15am on Friday morning, officers in Düsseldorf attempted to carry out a vehicle spot check on a black Audi, police in the North Rhine-Westphalia capital reported.

But instead of stopping the car and speaking to officers, the driver hit the gas – prompting a police chase that would continue for over two hours.

Vehicles pursued the driver headlong down eight motorways and around over twelve cities, including Cologne and Essen, before racing into Holland.

The car changed course numerous times, police said – and even had time to refuel on the route, reports Rheinpfalz.

Dutch police units were also called in to assist the chase – but as the car travelled along the A73 heading into Holland, officers lost all trace of their quarry.

The Audi’s registration number was reported as stolen last month, police said

The car had several passengers, they added – but it is unknown whether the driver was male or female.